Charity’s special milestone marked

The Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings was the setting for a prestigious event to mark the Cedar Foundation’s 75th anniversary.

The charity (which is the current NI Assembly Charity of the year), is renowned for its work in delivering exceptional services for people with disabilities, autism and brain injury.

To celebrate the 75 years of delivering choice, opportunity and inclusion, the organisation has been running a series of events throughout 2016, marking the contribution of service users, staff and volunteers as well as highlighting its award winning services and partnership working. The recent event in Stormont had a particular focus on service-users, and marked the contribution which Cedar’s User-Forum makes in representing the voice of people with disabilities.

Speaking at the event, Prof Maurice Mulvenna, Cedar’s Vice-Chair, said: “This organisation has made an immense contribution to the lives of people with disabilities over 75 years and we are proud that Cedar continues to go from strength to strength having launched a number of new services in this important year.”

Representatives from Cedar’s services across Northern Ireland, partner organisations and MLAs were among the invited guests who had the opportunity to view a specially recorded 75th anniversary video showcasing the impact Cedar’s services have had on children and adults with disabilities since its inception.

North Belfast DUP MLA Paula Bradley who hosted the event added: “I’m delighted to host Cedar’s 75th anniversary event and to pay tribute to the work which they do across Northern Ireland. Cedar continue to provide essential high quality services whilst championing the social inclusion of people with disabilities throughout Northern Ireland. They are a credit to society.”